Healthy by Nature radio show this week
Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue is a naturopath and author of a wonderful book on the importance of Vitamin K2. Who must listen? Anyone wishing to avoid hardening of the arteries, osteoporosis, dental decay, cancer, wrinkles or obesity…Plus pregnant women, diabetics and those confused that calcium seems to add to heart disease risk…Okay, I guess that covers just about everyone.  Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

One more basic
In last week’s newsletter I listed some basics in answer to a question from a reader about getting nutrition into her mother, age 87.

I would like to add vitamin A to that list. Vitamin D and K2 (on the list last week) are each critical, but they work in balance with vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for proper cell division, immune function, eyesight (probably hearing as well), reproduction and thyroid function. Getting gung ho with vitamin D might make it more difficult for vitamin A to be absorbed and utilized. Adding a little A is a safer way to keep balance than to risk becoming deficient in Vitamin D. And, remember, the body can only convert carotenes from plant foods like carrots into vitamin A when all our systems are working properly and there is enough of everything needed in the process, for example, zinc. That is why getting A from an animal source is more reliable. (Pregnant women are cautioned about doses of A higher than 5,000 IU during pregnancy, but I suspect that concern arose based on an imbalance of A with too little D rather than a problem with vitamin A itself.)

Beyond basics
After the important fundamentals listed last week (and above) are in place, if budget and patience allow, of course there are other supplements that would add a lot of value. Here are just a few suggestions:

Magnesium – This mineral is a vital basic of which most Americans do not get enough. Last week I mentioned a basic inexpensive form of it. For brain health I add Brain Magnesium.

Vitamin E – Among other things, E keeps the cholesterol in the blood from oxidizing. That virtual “rusting” is arguably the biggest problem with cholesterol. Vitamin E should be taken in a natural complex of tocopherols like the one in that link.

Vitamin C – we know it for helping the immune system, but it also helps keep arteries and capillaries stay strong and flexible. The particular product I linked to is an advanced formula for better utilization.

Co Q10 – Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant is found in abundance in the heart and is respected for helping heart health among other benefits. Statin drugs (for cholesterol) interfere with CoQ10 and therefore increase the need for it.

Longevinex. This combination is remarkable for slowing the effects of aging, promoting brain health and the prevention or even treatment of macular degeneration. Learn more about this remarkable product by reading my article about it.

I should mention that any nutrient can become a basic if it is the thing you need for your unique chemistry to work at optimum. That is why most of us overcompensate a bit, taking extra nutrients, because we can’t always know what we are missing.

As noted last time I have included links to Andy Hopkins’ online store, HealthWorksMart, because he is a long-time sponsor of the radio show, carries the brands that I recommend and is competitively priced. (Order online or call toll free 1-877-673-2536.)

Reader Feedback
A reader expressed disappointment that the meal replacement I suggested last week contained fructose. While I detest high-fructose corn syrup and I am not generally a fan of fructose as an added ingredient, I thought his was a fair observation that I should address. Consider these factors:
1.I wanted to offer a simple to make and tasty drink for an elderly person. The reader’s suggested alternative would be great for many people, but it involved several more ingredients and did not include the vitamins and minerals needed to qualify the drink as as a meal replacement. Sometimes we just have to give up pursuing ideal and settle for something people will actually do on a regular basis.
2.The amount of fructose was very small. Two scoops of Natural Edge contain about 1.5 gram of fructose—roughly the same amount as in 1/8 of a medium apple. To put that in another context, a 20 oz Pepsi would have 25 times as much. (The Pepsi label lists 69 grams of sugar, about ½ of which is fructose.)
3.The protein, fiber and oil in the protein drink recipe moderate the blood sugar effects of the fructose. A soft drink has none of those limitations on sugar absorption and therefore immediately spikes blood glucose.
Note: Non-calorie sweeteners don’t really fool the brain. Studies show that diet soft drinks rev up appetite but fail to satisfy it with the calories that the brain is expecting. Therefore, they don’t seem to help weight loss. Natural Edge is sweetened with a blend of natural sweeteners (Stevia, Lo Han and Xylitol) and that hint of fructose. Those along with protein and the fat that I suggest adding make the drink sustaining.

 Memorial Day
In addition to honoring the veterans who gave their lives in wars,
it might be a good time to honor and assist those who have come home greatly damaged.
Wounded Warrior Project

Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives. We had open lines with Fred Pescatore. I asked a few questions about thyroid and the trendy Paleo diet. Calls included these topics: prostate, sleep, replacing sugar, fatty liver, vegetarianism, immunization overdose, PANDAS, and testosterone.  Dr. P is the author of a number of books, including: The Hamptons Diet: Lose Weight Quickly and Safely with the Doctor’s Delicious Meal Plans; The Hamptons Diet Cookbook: Enjoying the Hamptons Lifestyle Wherever You Live; The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program; and Feed Your Kids Well: How to Help Your Child Lose Weight and Get Healthy.

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MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN